Cockspur Hawthorn
Crataegus crus-galli
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cockspur Hawthorn is a native deciduous tree found across eastern and central United States, blooming with white flowers from March to May. This drought-tolerant species attracts bees and butterflies while thriving in full sun conditions.
Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cockspur Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
240"–360" H × 240"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cockspur Hawthorn is a native Texas tree that forms a broad, rounded canopy with distinctive horizontal branching. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by small red berries, and offers beautiful orange-red fall color before dropping its leaves.
Growing Cockspur Hawthorn
Grow Cockspur Hawthorn in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 360 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cockspur Hawthorn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the persistent red berries provide food for birds through winter. This tree supports native wildlife while adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
Common questions
- When does Cockspur Hawthorn bloom?
- Cockspur Hawthorn produces white flowers from March through May, providing early season nectar for pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Cockspur Hawthorn?
- This native hawthorn attracts both bees and butterflies with its spring flowers, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
- Where is Cockspur Hawthorn native?
- Cockspur Hawthorn is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Florida north to Vermont and west to Texas and Kansas.
- How much water does Cockspur Hawthorn need?
- Once established, Cockspur Hawthorn is quite drought tolerant and requires low to moderate water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- Cockspur Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- Cockspur Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cockspur Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Cockspur Hawthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Cockspur Hawthorn fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.